Sirach
Chapter 39
The Wise Man
It is quite different with the person who spends his life reflecting on the law of the Most High. He examines the wisdom of past sages and studies prophecies in his free time.
He remembers what famous people have said and understands the mystery of parables.
He seeks the deeper meaning of proverbs and is curious about the secret behind parables.
He is dedicated to the great and is seen among leaders. He travels abroad and has experienced both the good and the evil in people.
Early in the morning, his heart is focused on turning to the Lord, his Maker, and elevating his spirit to the Most High. He opens his mouth in prayer and makes supplication because of his sins.
If it is the will of the great Lord, he will be filled with the spirit of discernment. He will then speak words of wisdom and praise the Lord in prayer.
He will acquire just judgment and knowledge, and reflect on the Lord’s hidden mysteries.
In his teaching, he shares what he has learned and takes pride in the Law of the Lord’s Covenant.
Many people praise his discernment, and he will never be forgotten. his memory will endure, and his name will live on from generation to generation.
Nations will proclaim his wisdom, and the assembly will praise him.
As long as he lives, his name will be more glorious than a thousand others, and when he dies, that fame will be enough.
Exhortation: Everything Is Good
I want to share even more of my thoughts; I am filled with them just as the moon is said to be full.
Hear me, devoted people, and grow like a rose planted near a stream.
Spread fragrance around you like incense; blossom and perfume the air like a lily; sing a hymn and bless the Lord for all his works.
Magnify his name and praise him with song and lyre, expressing thanks.
How magnificent are the works of the Lord! All his commands are perfectly timed and fulfill every need. No one should ask: “What is this? Why is that?” Everyone should study things in their own time.
At his word, the waters stopped flowing and piled up; his voice caused the reservoir to open.
At his command, every wish of his is fulfilled, and no one can stop his work of salvation.
All deeds are before him; nothing is hidden from his eyes;
he sees everything from eternity to eternity, and nothing surprises him.
No one must say: “What is that? Why is it so?” for everything is created for a purpose.
His blessing encompasses all things and, like a river, soaks the land, similar to a flood.
Similarly, he may unleash his wrath on the nations, just as he has transformed fresh water into salt.
If his ways are smooth for holy people, they are full of obstacles for the wicked.
From the beginning, good things have been created for good purposes, and likewise, evil things for wicked purposes.
Most essential for man’s life are water, fire, iron, salt, wheat flour, milk, honey, grape juice, oil, and clothing.
All of these are beneficial for the good, but they turn harmful for sinners.
Certain winds serve as a form of punishment, and in their fury, they become a scourge, unleashing violence during destruction and fulfilling their Creator’s wrath.
Fire, hail, famine, and death have all been brought forth as punishments.
The fangs of wild beasts, scorpions, vipers, and the avenging sword used to punish the wicked,
all eagerly obey his commands. They are ready when needed; at the right moment, they will not fail to follow his word.
Therefore, I reflected and decided to write from the start.
All of the Lord’s works are good, and he will fulfill every need at the right time.
You should not say: This is worse than that, because in its time everything will have a purpose.
Now, with all your heart and in a full voice, sing and bless the name of the Lord.
Commentaries
The Wise Man.
Unlike those who spend their days working with their hands from sunrise to sunset, Ben Sirach describes the life of those dedicated entirely to study and research. Of course, he does not refer to scholars of other sciences; he is not talking about intellectuals in general, but to those who focus on learning and studying the Law of the Lord, and ultimately, the content of the Scriptures and their best interpreters (1-3). This wise man or scribe has a much broader outlook: he can serve great leaders and travel to foreign countries, gaining more knowledge and wisdom (5). However, amid all this, prayer and the wisdom of the Torah must be present, as God is the ultimate source of all wisdom (5-8). A sort of final reward for this disciplined life is public recognition and fame, which ensures the wise man’s enduring memory after his death (9-11).
Exhortation: Everything Is Good.
The authors of Genesis 1:1f.4a had already highlighted the goodness of all creation as a result of God’s own goodness, along with the harmony and purpose each creature fulfills within the entire created order. Ben Sirach reflects on this again, but now includes what he can observe. Everything is good, and the good utilize every good thing; however, there are also harmful, evil elements, which are like the portion for the wicked. We must be cautious because we cannot assume that God always sends an earthquake, a hurricane, or a flood to punish someone.